Monday, May 10, 2004
Lunch Surprises
No, not a culinary surprise (though such is quite possible under Aramark's catering regime), but a pleasant ecclesiastical surprise. After Morning Prayer and Eucharist this morning, the Dean asked if I would like to join him for lunch as the Anglican Bishop of Cyprus and the Gulf was here for a visit with his wife, Jane, and given my interests, he thought it would be nice if I could join them. I was completely honored and agreed immediately. Bishop Handford and his wife were wonderfully pleasant people. He asked about my trip to Jerusalem and my impressions of the area, the conflict, and, specifically, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Conversation then drifted to such topics as the broader Anglican Communion, and his episcopate. Very exciting things are happening in Iraq and Iran for the Anglican Church. Through tough times and many trials, Christ's glory and love is making itself known through the daring and wonderful ministries of many committed people. Though closed right now, the Bishop said he hopes to reopen the Chapel in Basra soon, with support from the Church in Baghdad. In Iran, there are plans of building an 8 million dollar church and grounds to be a testament to the Gospel and love of Christ. The government, being Islamic, limits the numbers of Christian Churches allowed to have a presence and insists on high walls being built around them so as not to infringe upon the Muslim people of the land. However, upon seeing the architectural plans for the church (which is to be designed as an oasis - not only an oasis in a desert climate, but an oasis for Christ) the government said there was no way they would permit a wall to be built around such a beautiful place that will add much to the beauty of the land. Praise be to God! Bishop Handford encouraged me in my studies, particularly centering around Middle East peace. He said that once I get a good grounding in ministry and my studies here in the West to look him up, because there is always work to be done! How exciting! Though I do owe some years, which I will lovingly, gratefully, and faithfully serve, in my home diocese of SW Florida, I am excited by these and other such possibilities. I feel very strongly that God is calling me to be active in my ministry for peace, and, more specifically, for the Middle East. I know not what God has in store for me in the future, but I am excited by what seems to be a number of potential doors opening for me. I continue to make excellent contacts and befriend people who can help me get to where I would be called, and I cannot but see the hand of God in that. So, all in all, it was an exciting, wonderful, and delightful lunch surprise. This afternoon, the Seabury Saints/Martyrs have the last softball game of the regular season, so wish us luck...we're playing the only undefeated team...
-R
No, not a culinary surprise (though such is quite possible under Aramark's catering regime), but a pleasant ecclesiastical surprise. After Morning Prayer and Eucharist this morning, the Dean asked if I would like to join him for lunch as the Anglican Bishop of Cyprus and the Gulf was here for a visit with his wife, Jane, and given my interests, he thought it would be nice if I could join them. I was completely honored and agreed immediately. Bishop Handford and his wife were wonderfully pleasant people. He asked about my trip to Jerusalem and my impressions of the area, the conflict, and, specifically, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Conversation then drifted to such topics as the broader Anglican Communion, and his episcopate. Very exciting things are happening in Iraq and Iran for the Anglican Church. Through tough times and many trials, Christ's glory and love is making itself known through the daring and wonderful ministries of many committed people. Though closed right now, the Bishop said he hopes to reopen the Chapel in Basra soon, with support from the Church in Baghdad. In Iran, there are plans of building an 8 million dollar church and grounds to be a testament to the Gospel and love of Christ. The government, being Islamic, limits the numbers of Christian Churches allowed to have a presence and insists on high walls being built around them so as not to infringe upon the Muslim people of the land. However, upon seeing the architectural plans for the church (which is to be designed as an oasis - not only an oasis in a desert climate, but an oasis for Christ) the government said there was no way they would permit a wall to be built around such a beautiful place that will add much to the beauty of the land. Praise be to God! Bishop Handford encouraged me in my studies, particularly centering around Middle East peace. He said that once I get a good grounding in ministry and my studies here in the West to look him up, because there is always work to be done! How exciting! Though I do owe some years, which I will lovingly, gratefully, and faithfully serve, in my home diocese of SW Florida, I am excited by these and other such possibilities. I feel very strongly that God is calling me to be active in my ministry for peace, and, more specifically, for the Middle East. I know not what God has in store for me in the future, but I am excited by what seems to be a number of potential doors opening for me. I continue to make excellent contacts and befriend people who can help me get to where I would be called, and I cannot but see the hand of God in that. So, all in all, it was an exciting, wonderful, and delightful lunch surprise. This afternoon, the Seabury Saints/Martyrs have the last softball game of the regular season, so wish us luck...we're playing the only undefeated team...
-R
0 Comments:
